So after my race last weekend I started looking at the times of my other 3 mile runs. Not one of them was even close to the 25 minute mark! So how is it that I magically ran faster than I ever have during a race?? So on Tuesday I thought I would do a check and see if I could do it again. I managed to do a 3 mile run in 25:09! My splits were 8:50, 8:26 and 7:50! So I guess the answer is yes, I am capable of running faster than I usually do. I am trying to wrap my brain around this new information.
I guess I am trying to figure out when this happened. Is it because of the added cross training? Is it the minimalist shoe I have embraced? Is it completely mental? I am sure it is a combination of many different factors but I am fascinated by it. Suddenly I have become kind of...quick! I am not exactly a speed demon, but being able to pull off a 7:50 mile for me is AWESOME!!!
It could also be because ever since I injured my knee last spring I am very cautious with my speed workouts. I know that going too fast, too far, too soon is what causes injuries and I have had my fair share. Knee, quad, ankle, other knee...and I absolutely dread that happening again. But I have not had one twinge of pain while using my new lineup of shoes. And believe me, I am in tune with my body. I ask it every night how it is doing. And it assures me it feels just fine. Although the people at the gym probably think I am having an affair with their foam roller. I might be just a smidge obsessed with it. It is just so much better than the one I have at home! I ordered one just like it, hopefully it will arrive this week.
Today I had a 6 mile run scheduled. I ran on the treadmill and did the first mile at 9:05 for a warm up then set it to 8:34 to finish it out. I felt really good the whole time, and probably could have pushed a bit harder if I wanted but just let it be a comfortable pace. That's right- 8:34 is suddenly a comfortable pace for me. So my results of the 6 mile run- total time 52:05 for a pace of 8:40. And I felt sweaty and perfect when I was done. Speedy me!
Thats a pretty decent mile time. Way to go! Our bodies are amazing that way, how they can do things our minds didn't realize they could do.
ReplyDeleteamazing girl!! :)
ReplyDeleteNice job! Don't worry too much about why you're able to run faster. It's a consequence of all the training you've done! Most of running is about getting your body to gradually accept running a bit faster here and there.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on doing the St. Pats race multiple times too! I did it this year for the first time and had a blast!